Understanding Dog Health
by Sally Ricco
http://www.petdoghealth.com
Everyone can recognize a really healthy dog - it has a
bright, shiny coat, lively eyes and seems full of energy
and vitality. As dog owners it is important that we know
both how to get our dog into this state of well-being and
how to keep it there.
The most basic way to keep your dog healthy is through
food. Every animal requires water and food to live.
We realize from a human standpoint the importance of a
healthy diet and how food affects our energy. These
conditions are important in a dog's diet too or else
they encounter malnutrition. Our much-loved dogs
require a diet full of vitamins, minerals and canine
nutrients for a proper diet. Since the majority of
today's top brand-name dog foods are complete with
these ingredients, this health requirement for our dogs
is easy to fulfill. Steer away from cheaper brands as
they often contain too much cornmeal and little
nutrition.
It is also now well known from human experience that it
is possible for animals to overeat and become obese.
This never happens in the wild - an animal that is so
out of shape that it cannot fend for itself does not
last long - in fact we only ever see obesity in humans
and in their pets. It may be something that kind
hearted owners do to their pets, thinking the dog will
be happier if it eats plenty. But they should remember
that overweight pets do not live as long as their lean
counterparts, and (like humans) they are more
susceptible to heart disease, respiratory problems,
arthritic pain and diabetes. What's more they are more
likely to die if they have to be put under anaesthetic
for surgery (again, this applies to obese human beings
too). Feeding your dog the right food, and at the right
amount, is the first key to keeping your dog healthy.
Addressing the condition of your dog's coat, skin and
stools is another way to have a healthy pet. Ticks and
fleas carry diseases that can make your dog sick.
Instead of a using a flea collar, which isn't always
effective, apply a spray or good powder according to
the directions on the box or bottle. Attend to a flea
problem right away and hit the spots where the dog
frequently lies first. Whenever you vacuum these areas,
empty the vacuum bag immediately. Also, keep the dog's
bed washed, especially after he's lied there. These
measures will reduce more outbreaks and will remove the
nesting eggs and nasty fleas from your home's fabrics
and carpet.
Many piggy backers likes ticks like to jump aboard your
dog while you walk him in the country. After every walk
in the woods, check your dog's coat. Also, inspect your
dog's stool for visible signs of worms like roundworm,
whipworm, tapeworm and hookworm that attack a dog's
intestinal tract. It's still important to stick to a
worming schedule since not all worms can be seen by the
naked eye.
These few steps create a much healthier and happier dog.
Further steps like keeping veterinarian visits and
keeping your dog's vaccinations up to date also increase
your dog's health factor. By following these caring and
healthy steps, you are creating a fit and content dog
that is sure to live a much longer and healthier life.
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